Door latch



Feb. 14, 1950 D. c. SMITH ET AL. 7 2,497,329

DOOR LATCH Filed May 21, 1946 INVENTORS David C. Jmifh 3 1. oyl'. Ob/in 2r HT 102N53 Patented Feb. 14, 1950 David C. Smith and Leroy 'I. Oblinger, Toledo,

Ohio, assignors of thirty per cent to E. W. Sauers and thirty pergcent to A. E. Giesey, both of Cleveland, Ohio Application May 21, 1946, Serial No. 671,223

6 Claims. (01.292469) This invention relates to door latches particu larly adapted for doors wherein it is desirable to render the door selectively locked or unlocked to operation from one side without the use of keys or other separate locking means, but in reside handles one of which may be rendered ineffective for latch retraction purposes and is automatically rendered again effective by operation of the other handle for latch retraction purposes. I

Another object of this invention is a new and improved door latch having outside and inside handles in which the outside handle is rendered automatically ineffective or effective for latch operation in response to manipulation of the inside handle for door closing or opening movements, respectively.

A further object is a door latch mechanism which is rendered ineffective or effective to latch operation from one side of the door by translatory shifting movement of a sectional shaft operatively associated with the other side of the door.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will hereinafter appear and for purposes of illustration but not of limitation an embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which 1 Figure 1 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the latch mechanism showing the elements in operative position.

Figure 2 is a sectional fragmentary view of the latch mechanism showing one handle in the position of adjustment to render the other handl lneifective for latch operation. i

Figure 3 is a sectional view of the latch mechanism taken on the line 3--3 of Figure 1. t Figure 4 is a sectional view of the latch mechanism taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 2; and

Figure 5 is an enlarged detail view in perspece tive of the coupling parts on the adjacent ends of the spindles.

The illustrated embodiment of the invention with the sleeve l2. The tubularmember, having 1 a flanged outer end amortized in the door and an aperture through the closed inner end 2| is positioned in an elongate axially aligned opening 22 that intercepts an opening 23 extending transversely through the swinging door. The latch bolt is adapted to be retracted-by means of a latch arm 24 of smaller diameter extending inwardly through the sleeve l9 against the forces of a coil spring 25, having one end abutting the inner closed end 2| of the tubular member [9, the other end bearing against the shoulder 26 formed between the tubular latch bolt and the latch arm. The inner end portion'of the latch arm 24 extends through and is guided by the aperture in the closed end 2| of the sleeve, and attaches to an arm 21 of an L-shaped connecting link 28 adapted to cooperate with the inside and outside handles for bolt retracting purposes. The other perpendicularly disposed arm 30 o the link, larger in cross section, is centrally slotted as at 3i for sliding engagement with a spindle .32 extending transversely therethrough "and later to be described. A yoke in the form of a pair of arms 33, extending laterally in op: posite directions from the end of the link arm 30, engages a pair of lugs 34 secured to a T-shaped "collar 35 'operatively associated with the inner shank 36 of one of the door handles.

The T-shaped collar 35 is positioned relative to the transverse aperture extending through the swinging door by means of an escutcheon plate 31 arranged so that the outer annular edge portion engages the surface of the swinging door 12 militating against the movement thereof through the aperture 23. An annular flange 38 extending inwardly into the transverse opening has an out- :wardly extending annular flange 39 adapted to engage aninturned annular flange 40 formed in one end of a cylindrical frame plate in the form of a sleeve 4| that lines the transverse aperture through the door, thereby to hold the escutcheon plate in relation to the swinging door, in view of the means positioning the frame late, as hereinafter explained.

The escutcheon plate is formed with an extending sleeve portion 42 adapted to receive the inner or larger shank 43 integral with the inside :door handle 44. In the assembled relation, the T-shaped collar 35 is adapted closely to fit about the corner portion of the, escutcheon plate 31 which thereby operates as a bearing enabling the collar to rotate in relation thereto and at the same time militates against the movement of the collar in a transverse direction.

The shank 36 of a size and shape to slidingly fit in the aperture 45 through the T-shaped collar. A longitudinal groove 46 in the shank 36 receives a pin 41 depending from the collar 35 enabling the shank 36, the integrally connected shank 43 and knob 44 to be shifted axially between two positions of adjustment "in relation to the collar .35, but refiectively associates the collar 35 with the knob 44 so that rotational movement of one is directly imparted to the other.

An aperture 48 through the lower portion of the escutcheon plate is formed to admit a detent 49 having a rounded outer nose 49a and enlarged inner shoulder D, the "detent being disposed in an aperture 5| formed in the shank 43. A coil spring 52 disposed between the base of the opening 5| and the shoulder 50 :of the detent 41 urges the detent in an outwardly direction towardengagement of the shoulder 50 with a set screw threadedly engaged to the end portion of the opening 5i, partially closing .same. The integral shanks 36 and 44 are arranged 'SOithat when the handle is displaced to the ainward :posi- -tionof axial'adjustment the endqof the T-sshaped .collar 35 is adapted to abut the shoulder formed by the integral shanks and concomitantly the detent 49 is adapted to be in registry with the opening 48 so that entrance of 'the rounded-nose is. effected, responsive to the spring forces, thus .holding the handle in the forwardly displaced position of adjustment.

The spindle 32,:securely1connected to a central portion of the shank 36, extends transversely through the opening "23 in the swinging door [2 and hired at its outer end, as-by'threadedenprotrusions iil extending radially from the end :of .the spindle .62 axially aligned with the spindle E32 and secured ito the outside door handle 63.

When the lugs r61 are positioned .:in the slots 60 they are adapted 'to engage the :side walls thereof so that the spindles .32 and162 rotate'as a unit. The projections iof the zlugsareiso chosen that relative axial shifting .:movement between the sleeve 56 land fiche :lugs, .enables the :lugs to be disposed within the cavity 51 in which they are-free to rotate.

In the latter position :of 'itheccoupling gparts, turning imovemen't of the .knob '44 will be :alone 'eife'ctive to retract the latch bolt. .The "handle 53 with the attached spindle F62 .merelyifunctioning as "a free-wheeling unitzthavingno efiect on the latch mechanism.

A sleeve 54, disposed within :an :aperture and adapted to abut the shank portion :of the knob 63, is provided with an ioutwardly disposed annular flange 66 associatedawiththezinner edge of an apertured "escutcheon plate :61! :having a flanged portion 438 :threada'bly engaged to 2a ithreaded endportionifill of .the frame "plat-e41 (extending outwardly beyond Lthe surface hi the swinging .door 112.

Aicoil spring'liladisposedwithinzsleeve:64, has :one lend bearing :against the knob 63, the other iendnseating :in -;an:annular .rgroove H :formed in the periphery oftheouterisleeve59:drthecoupling 4 fest that the coil spring not only urges the spindle and the attached handle 44 in the outwardly direction but also tensions the handle 63 and the attached sleeve 64 so that looseness and rattling noises are effectively avoided.

As previously pointed out, in the normal position :of adjustment the inner handle is disposed in .its outward position of adjustment, as illustrated in Figure 1, the coupling members being :operatively engaged so that rotational movement of either the outside or inside handle is imparted to the collar 35, which in turn, operates through thelugs 34*t0 effectthe retraction of the connecting link and the :associated latch bolt [1 from engagement with :the door frame, thereby to enable opening movements of the swinging door.

However, when the door is rocked from the inside to the closed position it is manifest that the-curvilinear strike arm 15 on engagement with the rounded nose [8 of the latch bolt, causes the latch :bolt to be -.displaced inwardly against the forcesof the coil spring, the attached link merely :shifting laterally in relation to the spindle .32 thereby not efiecting the latch operating mecha' nisms. When the swinging door abuts the shoulder ill, the latch bolt .is adapted .to .be in registry with the aperture 13 in the door frame enabling the-coil spring once more to displace the latch boltand the attached-link in theioutwardly, .locked position.

During the final closing movements of the door, the residual pressure often exerted :on the inside handle 44 effects the displacement thereof to the inner position of adjustment, previously pointed out, in which position the detent 49 en- ;gage's the opening :4B;militating :against the .retro .gr-ade movement of the handle --44. Displacement .of :the handle 44 in the latter position concomitantly affects the axial shifting movement .ufzthe spindle 132 and attached sleeve so that rthe'lu-gs .61:are positionedin-the cavity5l, rendering the outer (handle 63 -free-wheeling and in- .eirective for latch retraction purposes. .In the latter locked position the T shaped collar 35 .is still zoperatively associated with the .inner :handle 44 rsoxthat retraction of the latch .bolt :may still be effected "on-operation thereof.

.In the latter instance when the inner vknob '44 is manipulated for door opening 'movements, the rounded head 49a :of thedetant 49 operates as a wedge-like unit forcing the retraction -:of the detent from engagement with the aperture 48 'lllhus, :enabling :the "coil spring It :automatically zto :shift the "spindle 3-2 :and'.the attached handle 44 to s'the :outward :position .of adjustment, :rendering the coupling means again operable :for latch retraction purposes responsive to them eration .of either the inside or-outside :handle. rltcisato be iunderstood 'that disengagement-of the detent from alike-aperture emay:be' equally effected by 'axial forces applied .to axially displace the :inside handle :to the-unlatchedgposition.

In certain circumstances wherein the door latch has been aaccidently looked through out- Isidepperation or where it. is desirable :.to enter cthe roompinview .of theanabilities 10f the person therein :to effect :door opening movements, ,:pre- :cautionar-y measures are provided :for operating ithedatchiromthe outside-.of the'door. .Inthis =zins'tance, :attention is directed to the -threadedv engagement between the escutcheon plate-bland -.the :outwardly textending'lthreaded portion of .the iframe iiplate =4I, enabling the formento :be readily ilisengaged, thereby enabling adisassemblyrof the member connecteditosthe spindle-5.5.5. l'It ismani- 315 parts comprising athe outer door handle. .Thus,

the coupling members are exposed so that reengagement may be effected thereby to render the latch retractable by outside operation.

It is manifest that we have produced a door locking device dependent on the engagement or disengagement of telescoping spindles connected respectively to inside and outside door handles, only one of which is shiftable in response to the manipulation of the inside door handle to effect the disengagement of the coupling members, thereby to render the latch locked to outside operation. It is apparent that the door is rendered locked or open to outside operation in response to the natural movements during door opening and closing movements. In the latter instance it is understood that, when the door is closed by means of the inside handle, the final closing movements will affect the disposition of the latch elements in the position rendering the same locked to outside operations. When the inside handle is turned for latch retraction purposes the locking means are automatically urged to the position rendering the latch once more effective to outside operation. The cardinal feature of this invention lies in the simplicity of construction and operationand the relatively few parts required to obtain the beneficial results. In view of the above, a simple, durable, easily installed locking device is produced having precautionary means enabling the locked door to be unlatched from the outside when necessary.

It is manifest that the door latch described is particularly adapted to inside bedroom, bath room or other residential or office doors, but may be used with equal facility for outside residential doors, vehicle doors or the like.

Other changes may be effected in the details of construction, arrangement, operation without departing from the spirit of the invention, especially as defined in the appended claims.

What we claim is:

1. A door latch comprising inner and outer operating handles one of which is shiftable between two positions of adjustment, a pair of axially aligned spindles fixed to each of said handles respectively, a latch bolt, means for retracting the latch bolt in response to turning movement of said shiftable handle, contiguous concentric apertures of large and small diameter in the end of one spindle providing adjacent integral sleeves of thin and thick walls respectively, axial slots through the sleeve of greater wall thickness, radially extending projections on the end of the other spindle arranged to engage the slots in said slotted sleeve when the shiftable handle is in the normal position of adjustment causing the spindles to rotate together for latch retraction purposes, said projections being disengaged from said slotted sleeve when the shiftable handle isin the other position of adjustment enabling said spindles and handles to rotate independently of each other.

2. A door latch as claimed in claim 1 in which the radially extending projections are arranged to be disposed within the sleeve of thinner wall section in which they are freely rotatable when the handle is shifted to the other position of adjustment.

3. In a door latch, a pair of aligned spindles, one of which is axially shiftable between two positions of adjustment, a stationary support for said shiftable spindle, coupling means on the adjacent ends of said spindles for establishing a driving connection therebetween causing said spindles to rotate together when said shiftable spindle is axially shifted to one position of adjustment, said coupling means being rendered ineffective when said shiftable spindle is axially shifted to the other position of adjustment enabling said spindles to rotate independently of each other, spring means constantly urging said shiftable spindle toward the first position of adjustment, and a catch mechanism eifective when said shiftable spindle is in the other position of adjustment for releasably holding same in said position, said catch mechanism being rendered ineffective upon turning movement of said shiftable spindle enabling said spring means to return said shiftable spindle to the first position of adjustment.

4. A door latch as claimed in claim 3, in which the catch mechanism operates releasably to position the shiftable spindle with respect to the sup port and comprises a stop constantly urged to extend radially from one of the above members for engagement with an opening in the other when said shiftable spindle is in the other position of adjustment enabling said spindles to rotate independently of each other, said stop being cammed out of said opening upon turning movement of said shiftable spindle enabling the spring means to become effective.

5. In a door latch, a pair of axially aligned spindles, one of which is axially shiftable between two positions of adjustment, a support for said shiftable spindle, coupling means on said spindles for establishing a driving connection therebetween causing said spindles to rotate together when said shiftable spindle is axially shifted to one position of adjustment, said coupling means being rendered ineffective when said shiftable spindle is axially shifted to the other position of adjustment enabling said spindles to rotate independently of each other, spring means constantly urging said shiftable spindle toward the first position of adjustment, and a spring-tensioned catch mechanism effective when said shiftable spindle is in the other position of adjustment for releasably holding same in said position, said catch mechanism being rendered ineffective upon turning movement of said shiftable spindle enav bling said spring means to return said shiftable spindle to the first position of adjustment.

6. A door latch as claimed in claim 5, in which the coupling means comprises two relatively movable parts, one part constituting a socket member fixed to one spindle for rotation therewith and having an operating toothed mouth portion and an adjacent cavity, and the other part constituting a toothed member fixed to the other spindle, said toothed member and toothed mouth portion being engageable for conjoint rotation when the coupling parts are in one position and said toothed member lying within the cavity of the socket member to enable relative rotation of the coupling parts when the same are in the other position of adjustment.

DAVID C. SMITH. LEROY I. OBLINGER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 294,326 Morton Feb. 26, 1884 592,606 Draullette et al. Oct. 26, 1897 1,871,442 Benzee Aug. 16, 1932 1,968,285 Egan July 31, 1934 

